Camín Real de la Mesa (Somiedo Section)

Route Description

The Camín Real de la Mesa is one of the routes with the greatest historical significance in Asturias. This ancient Roman road linked Asturica Augusta (Astorga) with Lucus Asturum (Lugo de Llanera), serving for centuries as the main route of communication and commerce.

The Somedano section begins at Alto de San Lorenzo (1,347 m). The route advances along the watershed, offering a continuous visual spectacle: on one side the Saliencia valley (Somiedo) and on the other Teverga. The path, wide and comfortable, takes us first to the meadows of Piedraxueves, whose name suggests ancient cults of Jupiter.

Shortly after we reach the Xuego la Bola, a hill with panoramic views, before taking a slight detour to visit the Braña de La Corra, a magnificent set of teitos blended with the surroundings.

The final destination of this section is Braña de La Mesa, strategically located in a mountain pass. Its cabins, some with roofs and others with slabs (“llábanas”), are silent witnesses of the passage of Roman legions, Arab troops and Maragatian muleteers.

💡 Practical Tips

• Wind: When hiking the summits, the wind can be strong and cold even in summer.
• Fog: Avoid the route if there is heavy fog; The soft relief makes it easy to lose reference.
• Story: Look at the ground; In some sections the slabs of the original road can still be seen.
• Water: There are no reliable sources on the ridge route, bring enough water.

📸 Key Points

• The feeling of freedom walking along the “rope” of the mountain.
• The teitos of the Braña de La Corra.
• The views of the Saliencia Valley from the heights.
• The historical atmosphere of Braña de La Mesa.